“I could sense the crowd getting a little bit frustrated” - Graham Potter comments on Chelsea fans at Stamford Bridge after 2-1 loss for West Ham

West Ham United manager Graham Potter has spoken about the Chelsea fans' reactions in his side's 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge. The English manager returned to the Blues' ground for the first time as a manager since they sacked him unceremoniously in 2023, but tasted defeat on his return.

Graham Potter saw his side take the lead but fail to hold onto it as Enzo Maresca's side came from behind to win the game. Afterwards, he pointed out to Sky Sports that his side did well to cause some frustration and tension to the home fans, who appeared nervous before their goals arrived.

“You look at the second half, they had to make some substitutions. The first goal was a bit of a turning point for us. We thought it was a foul on Jarrod [Bowen] leading up to it and sometimes you need those things to go your way. It wasn’t to be. I could sense the crowd getting a little bit frustrated. Obviously Chelsea weren’t overly happy with what they were doing because they made all their substitutions. We were doing well but we couldn’t quite hang on.”

Much of the build-up to the London derby between Chelsea and West Ham was about Potter, who spent seven months in charge of the Blues during the 2022-23 season. With the home side struggling in recent weeks, they needed to pick up all three points against their former manager in front of their fans.

Graham Potter saw his side miss out on a chance to leapfrog Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the standings as they remain in 15th place after the defeat. They will take solace in the fact that they gave the Blues a run for their money and nearly came away with something.

Chelsea sour Graham Potter homecoming with win over West Ham

Chelsea denied Graham Potter a happy return to Stamford Bridge as they picked up all three points against his West Ham side with a 2-1 win. The Blues had to come from behind to defeat the Hammers as Potter returned to Stamford Bridge for the first time since his sacking.

The Blues generously handed their visitors the lead in the 43rd minute as a loose backpass from Levi Colwill was pounced upon by Jarrod Bowen, who needed no second invitation to find the net. They struggled to break down a resolute West Ham side, coming closest when a dipping Cole Palmer free-kick was tipped over the bar by Alphonse Areola.

Enzo Maresca's men found an equaliser in the 64th minute as substitute Pedro Neto fired into the back of the net after a bit of pinball in the area. Their winner came ten minutes later when Palmer drove into the box and attempted a cross, which struck Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the leg and looped over Areola and into the back of the net.

Chelsea needed Tosin Adarabioyo to make a crucial block on Mohammed Kudus in the closing stages as they saw out their win. The Blues have leapfrogged Manchester City and Newcastle United to now sit in fourth place after their win.